Arguably America’s single most important contribution to world cuisine, the humble burger has come a long way in recent years. Quick and easy to prepare, this food-to-go has evolved to the point where the traditional ground beef patty has been replaced with all sorts of delicious alternatives sandwiched between fluffy buns. Today, options exist for vegans and vegetarians and in many other iterations to suit specific national tastes, so that what was once the cheap preserve of teenagers has become elevated to the point of being labelled ‘artisanal’. The fact is, we all love a good burger and in Bangkok aficionados are spoilt for choice. So let Time Out be your guide to the best spots in the city for this favourite of fast foods.
This eatery in trendy Ari has become a go-to spot for burger fans. Size matters in American cuisine, which is why Barney’s beef burgers (starting at B160) come in single, double and triple patty iterations. Juicy and filling, the great flavour of the Thai-Angus beef is what keeps aficionados coming back for more.
404 Phahonyothin Soi, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai. 097-126-2192. Open Daily 11.30am-8pm
Billy’s Smokehouse uses Himawari wagyu to make their exquisite beef patties, which become elevated to the divine with caramelized onions and signature sauce. No worries if you want to grab something really big – their bacon triple cheeseburger (B450) includes five strips of crispy bacon and three beef patties and could probably feed two.
888/23-24 Mahatun Plaza, Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Pathum Wan. 02-65-4398. Open Daily 11am-10pm
Local beef shines at this grab-and-go burger stall. Whether you visit the Phrom Pong branch or the open-air On Nut kiosk, it’s a chance to savour classic homemade burgers. Crispy dry-aged patties find their match with signature potato buns. Easy Burger also creates seasonal menus so burger buffs have something new to look forward to every quarter.
593/1 Sukhumvit Soi 33, Klongtan Nuea, Watthana. 097-979-7836. Open Mon 11am-2am, Thu-Sun 11am-2am. Closed Tue-Wed
Serving up juicy perfection and amazing flavours, this burger house slaps American culture firmly on the dining table. Patties are made from affordable dry-aged wagyu and there’s also a great Beyond Veggie alternative. Try the Mr. Goodburg (B230) or the Classic & Simple (B195) for an authentic taste of the States. Located at the Racquet Club in Thonglor, it’s a prime option for post-work out re-fuelling.
The Racquet Club, 17 Sukhumvit 71 Rd, Phra Khanong Nuea, Watthana. 063-093-7201. Open Daily 11am-11pm
When big appetites require big burgers, they head to this joint near BTS Chong Nonsi station. Juicy Thai wagyu beef is paired with brioche buns and you can maximise the experience with the must-try meaty Smash Triple Cheeseburger (B399). Also excellent for non-beef eaters is the PBB Burger (B299) comprising a pork bacon patty plus bacon slice.
190 Phiphat 2, Si Lom, Bang Rak. 091-818-7032. Open Daily 11am-9pm
This burger joint in lower Sukhumvit serves up very satisfying portions with choices of beef, lamb, chicken and pork. Go big with The Duke cheeseburger (B340) made with tender lamb and pair it with fries and a milkshake. Named for the boxing legend, the signature Iron Mike (B185) features a meaty Australian beef patty and certainly packs a punch. Vegans will delight in a plant-based burger (B350) and with 10 different sauces on the menu the options for adding spice and relish abound.
30 Sukhumvit Soi 11, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana. 092-596-4973. Open Mon-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-2am, Sun 11am-11pm.
Known for selling sweet-filled doughnuts, this popular food stall also offers a signature fried chicken burger that uses a doughnut as a bun alternative. Choose one of two toppings–mentaiko (pollock roe with mayonnaise, B220) or nanban (egg mayo tartar, B220)–to dress a substantial chicken breast complemented by crispy lettuce and marvel at the uniquely tasty combination.
19/12 Ekkamai Soi 12, Khlong Tan Nuea. 093-596-2465. Open Daily 9am-6pm
The South Americans know a thing or two about beef and at this glasshouse of a restaurant in the Ari area meat eaters will love Cast Iron’s juicy dry-aged prime minced beef patties dressed with blue cheese and caramelised onion (B325). Sauces made with spices and chilli from the region add extra piquancy and pair superbly with a cold cervesa.
Noble Reform Phahon Yothin Soi 7, Phaya Thai. 062-920-0300. Open Mon-Fri 11am-3pm & 5pm-11pm & Sat-Sun 11am-11pm
This homey eatery at Hansar Bangkok serves a fantastic signature angus burger (B380) but it will also delight those who abstain from red meat thanks to a plant-based burger enhanced with spicy barbeque sauce (B380). Round off a satisfying meal here with one of their specialty coffees.
Hansar Bangkok 3/250 Mahadlek Soi, Lumphini, Pathum Wan. 02-209-1234. Open Daily 7am-10pm
Talking about getting healthy and eating burgers in the same sentence is a rare thing but this eatery presents an opportunity to have a fresh-look at wholesome vegan dishes. A signature smoothy (starting from B185) goes very well with a barbecue pulled mushroom burger (B320) or a cheese-full superfood burger (B320). This is vegetable-centric dining with a difference.
27 Sukhumvit 61, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. 091-715-5247. Open Daily 8am-8pm
Smizzle uses prime Australian beef cuts to create signature twists on American classics. Those with a hearty appetite can double down with the Uncle Sam (B260) or the Oklahoma (B270), which come with two hefty patties, while cheese lovers can revel in the Crusty Blondy dressed with sharp cheddar (B290). All go superbly with a portion of melt-cheese fries (B185).
23/1 Si Fa Soi, Phaya Thai. 063-204-7870. Open Daily 9am-10pm
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